Gulf Boulevard’s Lone Dreidel

Driving along Gulf Boulevard, locals and tourists get a boost of holiday cheer from the decorative street lights. Figures of the season include Christmas trees, candy canes, presents and … a dreidel.

The dreidel decoration stands out for two reasons: 1) it’s the only one on the entire strip, while the other figures repeat themselves and 2) it is quite naked in its apperance while the other street lights are complete with colorful garland and lights.

Dreidels are used during the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah. The four-sided top is spun as means of a game.

Rick Raus, Public Works Assistant for the City of Treasure Island, has been with the city for 22 years. Raus was unsure if there was any sort of tradition or history in reference to the annual decorating, but said that it had been happening since he started, more than two decades ago.

The dreidel decoration is located atop a street light at Gulf Boulevard and West Gulf Boulevard (in front of 7-Eleven).